Heckmondwike is set to undergo major changes amid plans to make the town centre more social and greener. 

Work will begin with the demolition of the town’s old market hall, which has stood empty since 2016, to make way for new development in the town centre.

The space currently occupied by the disused market hall will eventually become New Square, a key focal point within the ‘Heckmondwike Blueprint’.  

While detailed long-term plans are still under development, bringing the land back into use was shown to be a priority for residents during the council’s public consultation and previous public engagement.

For the next few years, while blueprint projects develop across Heckmondwike, this area will initially reopen as an attractive public space for local people and visitors to enjoy.  

This area will include a dedicated space for market traders, public art, and greenery and seating.

In the coming years, this land will be further developed into New Square.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Heckmondwike Market Hall on Blanket Hall Street Heckmondwike Market Hall on Blanket Hall Street (Image: Google Street View)

The final plans will still include a public space with seating and greenery, but could also include a new library and community building, Kirklees Council said.

The former bingo hall could also be refurbished and reoriented to overlook the main space.

Demolishing the old market hall is hoped to combat current issues with anti-social behaviour on the site.

The demolition process and initial redevelopment of the land should take around five months, and the area will reopen to the public in the summer.

Councillor Graham Turner, cabinet member for finance & regeneration, said: “We know people who live in Heckmondwike want to see us designing out antisocial behaviour, and they want to see the old market hall land brought back into use again as soon as possible.”